New 'Agri Arkansas' episode to premiere June 26 on AETN

Posted 21 Jun 2016

'Agri Arkansas,' a monthly series produced by the Arkansas Educational Television Network, will explore the Natural State's global reach in a new episode Sunday, June 26, at 1 p.m.

The June episode of 'Agri Arkansas' focuses on local farmers' contributions to worldwide markets and how the state is expected to fare in a declining export market. According the U.S. Department of Agriculture, while crops such as soybeans and rice are shipping larger volumes, exports on a national level are expected to fall 10.5 percent in 2016. 'Agri Arkansas' will investigate which products Arkansas famers sell abroad and whether softening relations with Cuba will have an effect on their exports.

The episode will also feature an update on a farm-to-fuel initiative in DeWitt and a visit to the Olde Crow General Store. The DeWitt farm-to-fuel initiative was originally featured in the 2014 'Agri Arkansas' premiere, and farmers in the DeWitt area have continued their experiments with the winter crop camelina as a source for biofuel. In June's return visit, viewers will learn whether these efforts have been successful. The Helton family recently opened the Olde Crow General Store, located at the junction of Highways 5 and 9 in Crows, Arkansas. The segment introduces the unique avenue their business provides to bring food from the farm to the consumer.

Mike Preston, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and Tami Hornbeck of Communities Unlimited will join a panel discussion led by host Tony Brooks, former news anchor and veteran reporter, to close the episode.

'Agri Arkansas' is a celebration of agriculture in Arkansas, featuring experts, innovators and challenges all present in the state's largest industry. This monthly series dedicated to Arkansas's agricultural heritage airs on the last Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. Additional information is available at aetn.org/agriarkansas.

The series is funded, in part, by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the Moving Image Trust Fund.

The Arkansas Educational Television Network was created in 1961 and is Arkansas's statewide public television network that enhances lives by providing lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. AETN produces 160 hours annually of local, award-winning productions and delivers classic, trusted PBS programs aimed at sharing Arkansas and the world with viewers who make up 95 percent of the state. AETN depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at aetn.org. AETN is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro) and KETZ (El Dorado).